I am an attorney-mediator. Prior to my mediation practice, I specialized in family law and civil litigation - including personal injury, civil rights, and employment cases - for more than 40 years. As a skilled litigator recognized throughout Oregon, I have helped thousands of clients reach fair and reasonable settlements.
The key to settling your legal problems without the time, expense, and anxiety of a trial is to know the law and what is likely to happen in the courtroom. I have litigated hundreds and settled thousands of cases and will use my substantial experience to help you successfully mediate your case.
I have extensive experience in family law issues including:
- Divorce
- Separation
- Asset and debt division
- Custody and parenting time
- Child and spousal support
- Grandparent and psychological parent disputes with biological parents
I serve as a pro-tem judge for the Multnomah County Circuit Court. As co-counsel for the Oregon State Judiciary Committee and in private practice, I drafted family law legislation that is now Oregon law. I am is the author of several articles about family law and a frequent speaker on the subjects of grandparent and psychological parent rights.
I have completed a 40-hour mediation training through Clackamas County Resolution Services; 40 hours of Advanced Mediation Training through Multnomah County Family Resolution Services and further training through Mediate.com. I am a member of the Oregon Mediation Association and the Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners. I cofounded the Domestic Relations Alliance of Mediators and Attorneys.
I received a 2023 Martindale-Hubbell ® Peer Review Rating of "Very High" in both "Legal Ability" and "Ethical Standards".
I graduated with honors from Cornell University and my law degree from Northeastern University. I am married to a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have two adult sons. When not mediating, I am an avid cyclist and a yoga enthusiast. I am a member of the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble (pjce.org), whose mission is to spur the commission and performance of original jazz works in Portland and beyond.